AUTOCAR INDIA EXCLUSIVE
Mahindra will finally introduce the new Alturas SUV in India on November 24, 2018. The launch of this new model was earlier confirmed for November 19; however, sources tell us that it has been postponed again. The Alturas will replace the ageing SsangYong Rexton SUV and will become the brand's next flagship model for the Indian market.
The Mahindra Alturas is based on the latest-gen SsangYong Rexton SUV and will sit above the XUV500 in Mahindra's India line-up. The SUV gets a fresh design that's similar to the new Rexton, however, the grille gets a Mahindra family look, along with minor changes on the body. The SUV features a rugged body-on-frame construction, just like its predecessor.
Though multiple speculations about the market name of this new SUV (like Mahindra XUV700 or Mahindra Inferno) were being made earlier, we reported a few days ago that Mahindra will ditch the alphanumeric naming style for its new flagship model. We also reported that the name of this SUV won’t end with an 'O' either. Sources close to the company have confirmed to us that Mahindra Alturas will be this new SUV’s market name. The meaning of the name ‘Alturas’ is ‘heights’, and according to our source, with this new SUV, Mahindra wants to scale new heights in the market and squarely take on SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner, the Ford Endeavour and the recently updated Isuzu MU-X.
The Mahindra Alturas SUV will come in two variants – a lower-spec G2 trim that will come with 2WD and a fully-loaded 4WD model, the G4. The SUV will be powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine that’s good for 180.5hp and 450Nm of torque. While there will be no manual gearbox on offer, the Mahindra Alturas will come with a sole Mercedes-sourced 7-speed automatic gearbox with manual shifting. The SUV comes with a 244mm ground clearance and a 5.5m turning circle.
As far as features go, Mahindra's top-spec Alturas will come loaded with a large touchscreen system, sunroof, Napa leather upholstery, ventilated seats with memory function and an electronic parking brake. Mahindra had earlier announced that the model will be priced competitively in India and will significantly undercut the Fortuner.